(19)

(11)

EP 1 981 676 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 22.10.2008 Bulletin 2008/43 (21) Application number: 07716217.0 (22) Date of filing: 04.01.2007

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC):  B23K 9/10(2006.01) (86) International application number: PCT/US2007/000042 (87) International publication number: WO 2007/094896 (23.08.2007 Gazette 2007/34)

(84) Designated Contracting States: AT DE FR GB IT (30) Priority: 09.02.2006 US 350638 (71) Applicant: Illinois Tool Works Inc. Glenview, IL 60026 (US)	(72) Inventors: VOGEL, Bernard, J. Glenview, IL 60026 (US) BEESON, Richard, W. Glenview, IL 60026 (US) (74) Representative: Finnie, Peter John  Gill Jennings & Every LLP Broadgate House 7 Eldon Street London EC2M 7LH London EC2M 7LH (GB)